Best spot to watch Illuminatons

[Abbie485]

In previous trips, we have always made a reservation at Rose & Crown for dinner and requested a table on the patio so we could watch Illuminations. For our upcoming trip, we have a 7:45pm reservation with the hopes of doing the same thing. Although, we have seen Illuminations from that spot on almost every trip so we were thinking of switching it up this time around and watching it from somewhere new. Any recommendations on another good viewing area?

 

[Robo]

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase

that are wonderful in each of its own way that its futile to try to list them... so I will.



• Bridge between UK and France

• Norway area

• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan

• Italy, near the Gondolas

• Mexico, at the new Cantina

• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)

• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)

• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)

• Many, many more great spots.



Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,

and watch out for any "islands" in the water

that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.



On a busy evening, arrive at your chosen spot 45-60 min. before show time.



Most Important Tip:

Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.

Their SMOKE will ruin the show.

So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.



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[Abbie485]

The map is very helpful. Thanks for posting!

 

[gharter]

We enjoy the bridge between UK and France, the area in front of Italy, the area in front of Norway.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

I second the “don’t stand with the wind in your face” comment by Robo (of course). You won’t be able to see through the dense black smoke by 2 minutes into the show, and you will smell like a cherry bomb when you get back to the room.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I have a few spots dependent on the wind direction. I find the locations on the southeast side of the lake (Italy and Germany) tend to be the least crowded as they are the farthest from either exit. Also, their location is good in that the wind is usually coming from the south, so you will most likely have the wind at your back. Also, another tip is if you pick out a spot in front of Germany near the pretzel stand, they will start handing out free pretzels about 10-15 minutes before the show. Last year over Christmas, I got a free pretzel 2 out of the 3 times I watched Illuminations from over there.

 

[heidijanesmith]

We really like the bridge between France and UK, then we get out through the IG

 

[Bork]

I will just add that we didn't like the FP+ viewing area. I grabbed a FP shortly before the show, since we were in Future World and didn't want to walk far or get there early. There was plenty of space, but with everyone standing, it was tough for the kids to see. Not fun when your kid is too short to see over the people, but too heavy to hold for the entire show.

 

[disprincess_fl]

I also agree with people to pay attention to wind direction. The smoke from the show can really build up in areas. All in all, it's easily viewed from most everywhere. I'd focus less on getting "close" and more about being comfortable. Sometimes people rush towards the lake to get close but are sandwiched in and have restricted views because of trees. It's right in the center of the lake and often easy to view it from across the walkway near the attractions too.

Pro Tip: If you're by Norway when the show starts, you might be able to get into the popular Frozen ride without a fast pass.


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[Robo]

Pro Tip: If you're by Norway when the show starts, you might be able to get into the popular Frozen ride without a fast pass.

To clarify (and nit-pick the heck out of it...)
If you are by Norway and the show (IllumiNations) STARTS,
that means that it is Epcot Closing Time (usually 9PM) and by THEN, it's too late to get into Frozen line (or any other attraction.)

To be specific (and, yes, nit-picky...)
You want to get into an attraction line BEFORE (even JUST before) the show (IllumiNations) starts.
Then, even when the show does start, if you are still in line, you can stay in that line and ride the attraction as your turn comes.

 

[JonathonW]

My last two trips I did:

1) Between Morocco and Japan (next to the water)
2) Between Japan and USA (far enough away from the theatre that it's not obstructing any views).

Wouldn't recommend the spot between Morocco and Japan-- that puts an island with trees between you and the fireworks (and there are trees on the waterfront there that might block your view if you're not up front). The second location (between Japan and the USA theatre) worked out better: nice clear view of everything, and I got there early enough to pretty much get myself a front-row seat right next to the railing.

Might give it a try from the Future World side of the lagoon this year, though-- it's hard to see all the pavilions lit up from the south side of the lagoon. Probably depends on which way the wind's blowing that night, and where I happen to be come 8:30 or so.

 

[Spencer Wright]

My personal favorite is in Germany in front of the train set! One plus is that I don't think too many people go back there to see the show so its not too crowded.

 

[AngiTN]

Most Important Tip:

Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.

Their SMOKE will ruin the show.

So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.
-

Honestly, this is ALL you have to know. With the lake and the viewing in the round, and most all of it being up and in the air, there's not really a bad spot, except for the above. Stay above wind and keep the water in your view, that's it. At least that's all we do. Never missed anything as long as we do that.

 

[NH-to-FL]

We prefer the bridge between UK and France. It is right above the spot where the Illumination Cruise boats tie up.

Of course that spot became our tradition when we were staying at the Boardwalk. It made for an easy exit after the show.

But remember to check the wind direction and make sure you are up wind.

 

[LabMouse]

Our go-to spot is just to the right of the torii in Japan.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

My personal favorite is in Germany in front of the train set! One plus is that I don't think too many people go back there to see the show so its not too crowded.

I believe the same thing. I’m usually between Germany and the African outpost. There are some benches that you can sit on and enjoy the show. I find it easy to locate a good spot 5-10 minutes from the show even during Christmas back there.

 

[Tomh]

Honestly, this is ALL you have to know. With the lake and the viewing in the round, and most all of it being up and in the air, there's not really a bad spot, except for the above. Stay above wind and keep the water in your view, that's it. At least that's all we do. Never missed anything as long as we do that.

I would tend to disagree with this being all you need to know. There are several areas around World Showcase Lagoon where islands will have a significant impact on your view of the fountains, lights, flames, the globe, and even some of the lower fireworks.

I do enjoy watching from Rose and Crown. I also enjoy the landing below the bridge between UK and France. Additionally, in front of Germany, a bit to the right as you are facing the lagoon, there is a rectangular bit that kind of juts out. If you catch this area when it is still empty, you can have a nice little place to sit, enjoy a drink and a snack, and have an amazing view when the show starts.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I would tend to disagree with this being all you need to know. There are several areas around World Showcase Lagoon where islands will have a significant impact on your view of the fountains, lights, flames, the globe, and even some of the lower fireworks.

I do enjoy watching from Rose and Crown. I also enjoy the landing below the bridge between UK and France. Additionally, in front of Germany, a bit to the right as you are facing the lagoon, there is a rectangular bit that kind of juts out. If you catch this area when it is still empty, you can have a nice little place to sit, enjoy a drink and a snack, and have an amazing view when the show starts.

The spot you speak of in Germany is where I usually watch. Usually the wind is at your back, but I usually have no issues finding a spot. I don’t need to be against the railing as you can’t see the video on the globe anyways.

 

[AngiTN]

I would tend to disagree with this being all you need to know. There are several areas around World Showcase Lagoon where islands will have a significant impact on your view of the fountains, lights, flames, the globe, and even some of the lower fireworks.

I do enjoy watching from Rose and Crown. I also enjoy the landing below the bridge between UK and France. Additionally, in front of Germany, a bit to the right as you are facing the lagoon, there is a rectangular bit that kind of juts out. If you catch this area when it is still empty, you can have a nice little place to sit, enjoy a drink and a snack, and have an amazing view when the show starts.

Ok. And I disagree that it takes any special spot
There are elements all over the lake
Is pretty tough have all of the blocked off you have a view of all the water and are away from the wind
I know personally I never recommend R&C sadly simply because most often it is downwind. We've tried so many times and it's always been a bust. Guess we've just been unlucky

 

[Tomh]

Ok. And I disagree that it takes any special spot
There are elements all over the lake
Is pretty tough have all of the blocked off you have a view of all the water and are away from the wind
I know personally I never recommend R&C sadly simply because most often it is downwind. We've tried so many times and it's always been a bust. Guess we've just been unlucky

Thankfully, I've only had that particular experience at Rose and Crown once. It was pretty awful though. We also were downwind once at the bridge between UK and France, due to a kind of last minute change in wind direction. We have also watched from a couple of places where the islands blocked enough of our view to keep us from enjoying the show as much as normal.